How did you achieve your home's classic Hawaiian style?I believe that every home is a reflection of the people who
live there, so my own family's plantation cottage implements
Hawaiian style in a fresh, youthful way. I've taken traditional
elements-like a table from my grandmother-and put objects on it
that are fun and playful. Hawaiian style is all about a melding of
new and old.

What are some of your favorite colors?I really think choosing colors for your home depends on where
you live. If someone lives in a rain forest, I would use a wet
palette of rich forest colors such as banana-leaf greens and
red-torched gingers. Then I would contrast those with lighter
colors and textures. If you live near the ocean, I would choose
sandy, beach hues and ocean blues and grays. Take a nod from what
you see from the space. If there's a tree outside the window, pay
attention to its color, and don't be afraid to use that color in
your home.

What are your favorite accessories for creating Hawaiian
style?Tropical plants and arrangements are great accessories for
the home. Anything that reflects the culture also makes a good home
accessory. I like to use tribal elements that reflect the Hawaiian
culture, such as ukuleles, drums, and gongs. It's important to let
home accessories speak the language of the culture.

What are your core design principles?Less is more. Pay attention to the impact of each element as
it relates to other elements. Don't decorate piece by piece;
there's harmony in how pieces go together. And don't be afraid of
color! Color is your friend. It's a relatively easy and accessible
way to define a space. It defines your home's mood and
personality.

How do you achieve Hawaiian flair without going overboard?Fill the room with innuendo; don't hit the whole room with a
particular style. Remember to use elements of Hawaiian or island
style sparingly. For example, instead of doing a nice, woven wall
covering, do a woven window treatment. You'll still have a rich
texture. Focus, too, on individual pieces, such as pillow shams,
icons, or accessories. Choose tropical colors and patterns for
those smaller items.

What is the number-one problem homeowners run into when
decorating with Hawaiian elements?I think the challenge is having a sense of place. Your home
should reflect where you're living. It wouldn't make sense to have
a ski lodge filled with tropical elements. Use your own life as a
reference; your home should be meaningful-even nostalgic.

What are subtle ways to get island style?During the summertime, probably the least expensive thing
would be to head over to a store like Crate & Barrel and pick
up items such as mosquito nets, grass skirts, and little icons.
Then layer those smaller items into your home. For example, if you
live on the coast, fill a glass cylinder with seashells.